Xiangyun Pao Walnut

Xiangyun Pao Walnut

　　Xiangyun Pao Walnut

　　-- Nationally Renowned, Special, and High-Quality New Agricultural Product of 2015

　　The Pao walnut is an important economic tree species suitable for cultivation in the southwestern region. In this area, no other economic forest species has a cultivation history as long, a distribution as widespread, yields as high, or economic benefits as stable as the Pao walnut. The ancients called the Pao walnut the "fruit of the gods," while contemporary people refer to it as a "nutritional treasure trove" or "power food." Local growers summarize its value with sayings such as: "Walnut trees are money trees"; "Walnut trees are oil gourds"; "Walnut trees are happiness posts that can be tapped for generations without end."

　　Pao walnut kernels are rich in nutrition, containing 59.06%–72.84% fat, 11.19%–15.17% protein, as well as carotene, vitamin B1, vitamin B2, vitamin C, and various inorganic salts including calcium, phosphorus, iron, zinc, copper, and iodine. The oil extracted from Pao walnuts contains up to 83% unsaturated fatty acids, which offer special health benefits. The protein in Pao walnut kernels includes all 18 amino acids, with particularly high levels of the eight essential amino acids for humans, as well as a significant amount of arginine. Arginine and ornithine can stimulate the pituitary gland to secrete growth hormones that help control excess fat formation. Pao walnut pollen is also highly nutritious, containing 11.31% protein, 23.38% carbohydrates, 31 types of amino acids, 3.35% fat, and vitamins A, C, D, E, as well as minerals such as phosphorus, calcium, and iron.